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Antoinette Oglethorpe author of the COMPASS Journal blog, wearing a black shirt and blue jeans, sits smiling on a white sofa with magazines and papers spread out in front of her in a bright, minimalist room.

The Compass Journal: Navigating Careers & Leadership

Fresh thinking for forward-focused organisations

Explore practical insights, thought leadership, and real-world stories on career development, leadership, and the evolving world of work. Each article is designed to spark ideas and support you in creating a culture where people and performance thrive.

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Blog: Career Conversations

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A Year of “Confident Career Conversations”

As I sit down to reflect on the past year, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. Writing and launching “Confident Career Conversations” has been a really rewarding journey. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, my readers, and supporters.  A Year of Pride  Within just ten weeks

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A dimly lit corridor with smooth concrete walls features abstract, hollow stone sculptures placed along a gently sloping ramp, symbolising overcoming obstacles as they cast soft shadows on the floor.

Overcoming Common Obstacles in Implementing Effective Career Development Programmes

Over the years, we have run many webinars on different topics related to career management and mentoring. One webinar was on the subject of “Career Development in Organisations: What Role Does It Play?” One participant submitted some fantastic questions that warranted more attention than we could give. So, I promised I would write a series

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A woman sits on a sofa using a digital tablet with a stylus, exploring trends in career development. She is wearing jeans and a white blouse. A ginger cat stands nearby, and a mobile phone rests on the sofa next to her.

Top Career Development Trends – What HR Leaders Need to Know

“I’d love to support my team’s development… but I have no idea where to start.”That was the honest confession of a line manager during one of my recent masterclasses. And it stuck with me. Because in today’s fast-changing world of work, career development isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a necessity. But many leaders, managers – and

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Seven Empowering Questions for Employee Engagement and Career Development

Unlocking the full potential of your employees is more critical now than ever before. In today’s fast-paced world, employee engagement isn’t just a trendy term—it’s the linchpin of organisational success. So, how can HR professionals, leaders, and managers truly connect with their teams and ignite their passion for their work? The Art of Career Conversation

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A man sitting at an office desk, appearing stressed or exhausted, rests his head on his arms beneath a blue folder. Surrounded by a computer, phone, office supplies, and a Gartner report, he seems overwhelmed by work.

Gartner’s Insight on Career Development: Bridging the Gap Between Expectations and Reality

Recent research conducted by Gartner, Inc., underscores a crucial issue within many organisations: a significant gap between employee expectations for career development and what is actually provided. Only 46% of employees feel supported in their career growth endeavours, a statistic that highlights the urgency for organisations to rethink their career management strategies. Understanding Employee Expectations

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A diverse, multi-generational workforce gathers around a table, smiling and laughing together whilst holding coffee mugs in a bright room.

How Organisations Need to Adapt to Engage, Retain, and Develop a Multi-Generational Workforce

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the global economy, the workforce is experiencing unprecedented shifts in its composition and the expectations of its members, especially with the entry of Generation Z into the professional world. In a recent blog post, I discussed the importance of managers navigating career conversations with Gen Z. But what about

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A Gen Z individual with pink hair, wearing a yellow jumper and jeans, sits on a dark sofa with a laptop on their lap, smiling whilst talking on a mobile phone. A yellow cushion and a plant are visible in the background.

Navigating Career Conversations with Gen Z 

By now, it’s well known that the COVID-19 pandemic caused lasting disruptions to work for all generations. But it had a particular impact on Gen Z.  Born between 1997 and 2012, Gen Z saw a significant drop in engagement. They felt less cared for, had fewer growth opportunities, and felt disconnected from the organisation’s mission.

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Bridging the Gap: Strategies to Develop the Skills You Need for Career Progression

In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing job market, addressing skills gaps is crucial for career advancement. Once you’ve identified the areas where you need to improve, it’s time to take action. In this blog post, we’ll explore effective ways employees can bridge their skills gaps and develop the expertise needed to advance professionally. Here are 14

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Navigating the Changing World of Work: How to Identify and Address Your Skills Gaps

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving job market, staying ahead of the curve and relevant in your career is paramount. The changing world of work requires employees to be proactive in identifying and addressing their skills gaps. This blog post will guide you through the process of recognising those gaps and taking steps to bridge them

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